Frame member with traveling rail used in conveyor system and traveling frame assembly using the same

ABSTRACT

A metallic frame member provided for use in a traveling frame assembly, guide rail or receiving rail in a conveyor system. A rear section extends longitudinally of the frame member. A pair of inclined sections are bent in directions in which they extend towards each other from lateral ends of the rear section. A pair of front sections are bent in directions in which they extend from lateral ends of the pair of inclined sections generally in parallel to the rear section. A pair of side sections are bent from lateral ends of the front sections towards the rear section. The rear section and pair of inclined sections define a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like vertical cross-sectional profile. Each of the side sections are folded back at the free end inside or outside thereof to form a folded portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a metallic frame member having fittedthereon a plastic traveling rail usable, for example, as a travelingframe assembly, guide rail, receiving rail or the like in the field ofconveyor system, and a traveling frame assembly constructed of the framefor use with a conveyor chain or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

The conventional frame member of the above type is formed from iron orstainless steel. The frame member is formed by bending a steel plate ofa suitable thickness and proper length by a press or bender to make asimple long structure, and connecting a plurality of such structures toeach other, for example.

The conventional frame member is also formed by an extrusion moldingfrom aluminum. The frame member of this type is advantageous in that itcan easily be formed to have any complicated shape as desired.

The traveling rail laid under a conveyor chain is formed by working orextrusion molding, for example. For installing the traveling rail to theframe member, the traveling rail is put on the frame member, and fixedto the latter with a plurality of screws at longitudinal predeterminedintervals. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, a traveling rail 50formed by extrusion molding is fitted onto the flat end of a framemember 51, the traveling rail 50 is caused by its own elastic force tocatch the end of the frame member 51, and then the end of the travelingrail 50 is fixed to the frame member 51 with screws.

However, the conventional frame member formed from iron or stainlesssteel is not advantageous in that it can only have a relatively simplestructure. To meet the requirements for an appropriate precision ofworking and rigidity, the frame member has to be formed from arelatively thick plate material. In this case, however, it is difficultto reduce the weight of the frame member and the manufacturing cost. Ifthe frame member required to have a predetermined precision of workingand rigidity has no sufficient precision and rigidity to meet therequirements, a step will possibly take place at the connection betweenthe frame members, with the result that articles being conveyed willcause a noise each time they are moved on the rail, they cannot beconveyed at any constant speed and it will be overturned in some cases.

Further, since the conventional frame member incurs a sharp edge in theprocess of cutting as the case may be, the workers should always becareful when handling such frame members during work at a site ofinstallation. In the worst case, the workers may possibly be bodilyinjured seriously by such sharp edges.

Also, when assembling such frame members, bolts and nuts at the guidebracket and connections, protruding from the lateral sides of the framemembers not in the worker's field of view as the case may be, willpossibly hurt the workers unexpectedly. More particularly, since theguide bracket has to be installed where fixing holes are performed, itis necessary to re-form new fixing holes for alignment with holes in theguide bracket if the performed fixing holes are not correctly alignedwith the holes in the guide bracket, which will lead to more time ofinstallation and thus larger costs than estimated.

Furthermore, the frame formed from aluminum by extrusion molding islikely to react with moisture or water in an environment where theconveyor system is in operation to produce aluminum oxide compound, hasa structure from which water cannot be drained. So, the remaining waterin the conveyor system will decay and be unsanitary. Particularly, thealuminum oxide compound produced in the environment where the conveyorsystem is in operation is very harmful. In industries of food processingand any other fields of industry, it is not desirable from the sanitarypoint of view to work in any environment where such harmful substancewill possibly take place.

Additionally, when the traveling rail is increasingly abraded, itsfasteners such as screws are partially (at the head thereof, forexample) exposed to be in contact with the sliding surface of theconveyor chain, which will possibly cause the conveyor chains toabnormally be abraded, conveying speed to be irregular or abnormal soundto take place. Also, in case the frame member is caught by the travelingrail under the own elastic force of the latter, the traveling frame willbe dislocated laterally in relation to the frame member in some cases ifthe elastic force of the traveling rail is not sufficiently large. Onthe contrary, if the elastic force of the traveling rail is too large,the traveling rail cannot be fitted onto the frame member easily or to apredetermined position as the case may be. In such a case, the conveychains cannot move smoothly, causing heat generation, abnormal abrasion,vibration, noise, etc.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has an object to overcome theabove-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a frame memberhaving fitted thereon a plastic traveling rail being easy to handle,lightweight, high in precision of working and highly rigid, low in noiseand cost, safe, easy to assemble and sanitary, and a traveling frameassembly formed from the frame member.

(1) The above object can be attained by providing a metallic framemember having fitted thereon a plastic traveling rail usable in atraveling frame assembly, guide rail or receiving rail used in aconveyor system, the frame member including:

-   -   a rear section extending longitudinally of the frame member;    -   a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        rear sections and extending in converging directions away from        the rear section;    -   a pair of front sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        inclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel        to the rear section; and    -   a pair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends of the front        sections and extending in parallel directions towards the plane        of the rear section;    -   the rear section and pair of inclined sections defining together        a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like vertical        cross-sectional profile; and    -   each of the side sections being folded back at the free end        inside or outside thereof;    -   the traveling rail including a base piece, a catching piece        opposite to, and with a predetermined space from the base piece,        and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece and        catching piece to each other at their ends, these pieces        defining together a recess between them, and having formed at        the free end thereof an engagement projection protruded towards        the base piece,    -   the traveling rail being fixed to the frame member with the        inner wall of the base piece being put in abutment on the side        section of the frame member, inner wall of the catching piece        being put in abutment on the folded portion of the side section        of the frame member and with the engagement projection being        engaged on the end of the folded portion of the side section of        the frame member.

In the above frame member, the rear section and pair of inclinedsections define together a structure having a generally C-like verticalcross section, the front section and one of the side sections definetogether the structure having a generally L-like vertical cross section,the C-shaped structure is extended at either end thereof by the L-shapedstructure, the L-shaped structures being symmetrical with respect to theC-shaped structure, and the folded end of each side section forms a stepfor engagement with an engagement projection of a traveling rail. Thus,even in case each of the rear section, inclined sections, front sectionsand side sections is formed relatively thin, the frame member as wholecan have a great strength and rigidity. Therefore, there can be provideda lightweight, high precision-worked frame member.

In addition, the frame member is simple in construction, suitable formass production and inexpensive. So, it is optimum for use to form atraveling frame assembly, guide rail, receiving rail, etc. used in theconveyor systems.

Because of the above construction, the frame member permits to fix thetraveling rail to the traveling-rail receiving portion of the framemember, easily, positively and stably. Also, the frame member is easy tohandle and permits to easily replace the traveling rail. Further, thetraveling rail is simple in construction, suitable for mass productionand thus can be produced at low costs. In addition, no fasteners such asscrews are required for fixing the traveling rail to the frame member,and thus, even as the traveling rail is increasingly abraded, there willnot possibly take place abnormal abrasion of the conveyor chain,irregular conveying speed, abnormal sound or the like.

Particularly, the traveling rail is designed for fixation to the framemember with the inner wall of the base piece being put into abutment onthe side section of the frame member, inner wall of the catching piecebeing put in abutment on the folded portion of the side section of theframe member and with the engagement projection being engaged on the endof the folded portion of the side section of the frame member. So, thetraveling rail fixed to the side section of the frame member will not belikely to be dislocated in a direction perpendicular to the side sectionof the frame member but can be fixed accurately to the frame member sothat the conveyor chain can be moved smoothly with no possibility ofheating, abnormal abrasion, vibration or noise. In addition, thetraveling rail itself can be maintained stably fixed for a long periodwithout having to forcibly press the frame member. Also, the elasticityof the traveling rail can be set in a wide range and thus the presentinvention provides a traveling rail fixing mechanism permitting tosmoothly fix the traveling rail to the frame member and which is easy tohandle.

As the counterpart of the traveling rail, the traveling-rail receivingportion of the frame member consists of an end portion of an elongatedstrip-shaped side section formed contiguous to a front section of theframe member at a predetermined angle with the front section, and aportion of the side section, formed contiguous to the side-section endportion and folded back towards the front section. So the abovetraveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member can be designed tohave a great strength and rigidity, and thus the frame member can beformed thinner and more lightweight.

The above frame member with the traveling rail (1) should desirably bedesigned so that when the traveling rail is fitted on the traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member, the inner wall of the base pieceis in close contact with the side section of the frame member, the innerwall of the side piece abuts the bent join between the side section andfolded portion of the frame member and the inner wall of the catchingpiece is in close contact with the folded portion of the frame member.

With this traveling rail fixing mechanism, the traveling rail fixed tothe traveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member will not belikely to be dislocated in the direction of the side-section width andin a direction perpendicular to the side section of the frame member butcan be fixed accurately and stably to the frame member so that theconveyor chain can be moved smoothly with no possibility of heating,abnormal abrasion, vibration or noise.

In addition, the traveling rail itself can be maintained stably fixedfor a long period without having to forcibly press the frame member.Also, the elasticity of the traveling rail can be set in a wide rangeand thus the present invention provides a traveling rail which can besmoothly fixed to the frame member and which is easy to handle.

Also in the above frame member, through-holes should desirably be formedin the bent join between the rear section and inclined section, thatbetween the inclined section and front section and that between thefront section and side section, respectively, to prevent water or otherliquid from staying in any concavity defined between the sections.

(2) Also the above object can be attained by providing a metal framemember having fitted thereon a plastic traveling rail usable in atraveling frame assembly, guide rail or receiving rail used in aconveyor system, the frame member including:

-   -   a rear section extending longitudinally of the frame member;    -   a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        rear sections and extending in converging directions away from        the rear section;    -   a pair of front sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        inclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel        to the rear section; and    -   a pair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends of the front        sections and extending in parallel directions towards the plane        of the rear section;    -   the rear section and pair of inclined sections defining together        a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like vertical        cross-sectional profile; and    -   each of the side sections in pair being shaped at the free end        thereof to be a step or to have a concavity for engagement with        a traveling rail;    -   the traveling rail including a base piece, a catching piece        opposite to, and with a predetermined space from the base piece,        and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece and        catching piece to each other at their ends, these pieces        defining together a recess between them, at least one of the        base piece and catching piece having an engagement projection        formed thereon while a traveling-rail receiving portion of the        frame member, on which the traveling rail is to be fitted, is        formed from an elongated strip-shaped fixing base piece, and    -   the traveling rail designed so that the inner wall of the base        piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece, inner wall of        the catching piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece        and the engagement projection is engaged on an engagement step        or concavity formed on the fixing base piece.

In the above frame member (2), the rear section and pair of inclinedsections define together a structure having a generally C-like verticalcross section, the front section and one of the side sections definetogether a structure having a generally L-like vertical cross-section,and the C-shaped structure is extended at either end thereof by theL-shaped structure, the L-shaped structures being symmetrical withrespect to the C-shaped structure, as in the aforementioned frame member(1), and in addition, each of the side sections in pair is shaped at thefree end thereof to be a step or to have a concavity for engagement witha traveling rail. Thus, even in case each of the rear section, inclinedsections, front sections and side sections is formed relatively thin,the frame member as whole can have a great strength and rigidity.Therefore, there can be provided a lightweight, high precision-workedframe member.

In addition, the frame member is simple in construction, suitable formass production and inexpensive. So, it is optimum for use to form atraveling frame assembly, guide rail, receiving rail, etc. used in theconveyor systems.

Also in the above frame member (2), through-holes should desirably beformed in the bent join between the rear section and inclined section,that between the inclined section and front section and that between thefront section and side section, respectively, to prevent water or otherliquid from staying in any concavity or space defined between thesections.

Because of the above construction (2), the frame member with a travelingrail which includes a metal frame member and a plastic rail fitted ontothe metal frame permits to secure the traveling rail to thetraveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member easily, positivelyand stably. Also, the frame member with a traveling rail is easy tohandle and permits to easily replace the traveling rail. Further, thetraveling rail is simple in construction, suitable for mass productionand thus can be produced at low costs. In addition, no fasteners such asscrews are required for fixing the traveling rail to the frame member,and thus, even as the traveling rail is increasingly abraded, there willnot possibly take place abnormal abrasion of the conveyor chain,irregular conveying speed, abnormal sound or the like.

Particularly, the traveling rail is designed so that the inner wall ofthe base piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece, inner wallof the catching piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece andthe engagement projection is engaged on an engagement step or concavityformed on the fixing base piece. So, the traveling rail fixed to thetraveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member will not be likelyto be dislocated in the direction of the side-section width and in adirection perpendicular to the side section of the frame member but canbe fixed accurately to the frame member so that the conveyor chain canbe moved smoothly with no possibility of heating, abnormal abrasion,vibration or noise. In addition, the traveling rail itself can bemaintained stably fixed for a long period without having to forciblypress the frame member. Also, the elasticity of the traveling rail canbe set in a wide range and thus the present invention provides atraveling rail which can be smoothly fixed to the frame member and whichis easy to handle.

The traveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member is formed fromthe elongated strip-shaped fixing base piece. Namely, it can be designedmore simply.

In the above frame member with a traveling rail (2), there shoulddesirably be provided a joint member which can be inserted in thelongitudinal concavity defined by the rear section and opposite inclinedsections of the frame member and has a plurality of internally threadedholes formed therein, and the joint members be secured in thelongitudinal concavity of the frame member by tightening screws in theinternally threaded holes in the joint member.

In such an embodiment, the frame members can be longitudinally coupledto each other easily, positively and securely. Further, the fastenerssuch as bolts, nuts or the like will not be exposed at the lateral sideof the frame member, and thus the frame member according to the presentinvention is highly safe.

(3) Also the above object can be attained by providing a traveling frameassembly for use with a conveyor chain or the like used in a conveyorsystem, including a pair of metallic frame members and coupling clampmeans to couple the pair of frame members in parallel and opposite toeach other, the frame member including:

-   -   a rear section extending longitudinally of the frame member;    -   a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        rear sections and extending in converging directions away from        the rear section;    -   a pair of front sections contiguous to lateral ends of the        inclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel        to the rear section; and    -   a pair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends of the front        sections and extending in parallel directions towards the plane        of the rear section;    -   the rear section and pair of inclined sections defining together        a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like vertical        cross-sectional profile;    -   the coupling clamp means including a pair of clamp bodies and a        fastener to couple the clamp bodies and fasten them towards each        other; and    -   each of the clamp bodies in pair having provided at either free        end thereof an engagement portion shaped to catch each of the        rear sections of the frame members.

In the above traveling frame assembly (3), even in case each of thesections of each frame member is formed relatively thin, the framemember as whole can have a great strength and rigidity. So, there can beprovided a lightweight, high precision-worked frame member, and inaddition the frame member can be simple in construction, suitable formass production and inexpensive. Therefore, a traveling frame assemblycan be provided in which no step is likely to take place at theconnection between the frame members. Thus, the traveling frame assemblyworks quiet with low noise, without irregular conveyance speeds and withno possibility that an article being conveyed will be overturned.

In addition, the traveling frame assembly is simple in construction,suitable for mass production, easy to assemble and inexpensive. So, itis optimum for use in the conveyor systems.

More particularly, the coupling clamp means include the clamp bodies inpair and the fastener to couple the clamp bodies and fasten them towardseach other, and each of the clamp bodies in pair has provided at eitherfree end thereof the engagement portion shaped to catch each of the rearsections of the frame members in pair. Thus, the pair of frame memberscan be coupled to each other simply, positively and securely by thecoupling clamp means. The coupling clamp means fasten together the framemembers and serve as a distance space for the pair of frame members.Thus a high precision-worked traveling frame assembly can be provided.Therefore, a conveyor chain or the like can easily be installed to thetraveling frame assembly which will prevent the conveyor chain frommoving laterally.

In the above traveling frame assembly (3), there should desirably beprovided a joint member which can be inserted in the longitudinalconcavity defined by the rear section and opposite inclined sections ofthe frame member and has a plurality of internally threaded holes formedtherein, and the joint members be secured in the longitudinal concavityof the frame member by tightening screws in the internally threadedholes in the joint member.

In the traveling frame assembly, the frame members can be longitudinallycoupled to each other easily, positively and securely. Further, thefasteners such as bolts, nuts or the like will not be exposed at thelateral side of the frame member, and thus the traveling frame assemblyaccording to the present invention is highly safe.

(4) Also the above object can be attained by providing a traveling railfixing mechanism for fixing a synthetic resin-made traveling rail to aframe member such as a traveling rail assembly, guide rail, receivingrail or the like used in a conveyor system, wherein:

-   -   the traveling rail includes a base piece, a catching piece        opposite to, and with a predetermined space from, the base        piece, and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece        and catching piece to each other at their ends, these pieces        defining together a recess between them;    -   the traveling rail has formed at the free end thereof an        engagement projection protruded towards the base piece, while a        traveling-rail receiving portion of a frame member, on which the        traveling rail is to be fitted, includes an end portion of an        elongated strip-shaped side section formed contiguous to a front        section of the frame member at a predetermined angle with the        front section, and a portion of the side section, formed        contiguous to the side-section end portion and folded back        towards the front section; and    -   the traveling rail is fixed to the frame member with the inner        wall of the base piece being put in abutment on the side section        of the frame member, inner wall of the catching piece being put        in abutment on the folded portion of the side section of the        frame member and with the engagement projection being engaged on        the end of the folded portion of the side section of the frame        member.

Because of the above construction, the traveling rail fixing mechanismpermits to fix the traveling rail to the frame member, moreparticularly, to the traveling-rail receiving portion of the latter,easily, positively and stably. Also, the traveling rail fixing mechanismis easy to handle and permits to easily replace the traveling rail.Further, the traveling rail is simple in construction, suitable for massproduction and thus can be produced at low costs. In addition, nofasteners such as screws are required for fixing the traveling rail tothe frame member, and thus, even as the traveling rail is increasinglyabraded, there will not possibly take place abnormal abrasion of theconveyor chain, irregular conveying speed, abnormal sound or the like.

Particularly, the traveling rail is designed for fixation to the framemember with the inner wall of the base piece being put into abutment onthe side section of the frame member, inner wall of the catching piecebeing put in abutment on the folded portion of the side section of theframe member and with the engagement projection being engaged on the endof the folded portion of the side section of the frame member. So, thetraveling rail fixed to the side section of the frame member will not belikely to be dislocated in a direction perpendicular to the side sectionof the frame member but can be fixed accurately to the frame member sothat the conveyor chain can be moved smoothly with no possibility ofheating, abnormal abrasion, vibration or noise. In addition, thetraveling rail itself can be maintained stably fixed for a long periodwithout having to forcibly press the frame member. Also, the elasticityof the traveling rail can be set in a wide range and thus the presentinvention provides a traveling rail fixing mechanism permitting tosmoothly fix the traveling rail to the frame member and which is easy tohandle.

As the counterpart of the traveling rail, the traveling-rail receivingportion of the frame member consists of an end portion of an elongatedstrip-shaped side section formed contiguous to a front section of theframe member at a predetermined angle with the front section, and aportion of the side section, formed contiguous to the side-section endportion and folded back towards the front section. So the abovetraveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member can be designed tohave a great strength and rigidity, and thus the frame member can beformed thinner and more lightweight.

The above traveling rail fixing mechanism (4) should desirably bedesigned so that when the traveling rail is fitted on the traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member, the inner wall of the base pieceis in close contact with the side section of the frame member, the innerwall of the side piece abuts the bent joint between the side section andfolded portion of the frame member and the inner wall of the catchingpiece is in close contact with the folded portion of the frame member.

With this traveling rail fixing mechanism, the traveling rail fixed tothe traveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member will not belikely to be dislocated in the direction of the side-section width andin a direction perpendicular to the side section of the frame member butcan be fixed accurately and stably to the frame member so that theconveyor chain can be moved smoothly with no possibility of heating,abnormal abrasion, vibration or noise.

In addition, the traveling rail itself can be maintained stably fixedfor a long period without having to forcibly press the frame member.Also, the elasticity of the traveling rail can be set in a wide rangeand thus the present invention provides a traveling rail which can besmoothly fixed to the frame member and which is easy to handle.

(5) Also the above object can be attained by providing a traveling railfixing mechanism for fixing a synthetic resin-made traveling rail to aframe member such as a traveling rail assembly, guide rail, receivingrail or the like used in a conveyor system, wherein:

-   -   the traveling rail includes a base piece, a catching piece        opposite to, and with a predetermined space from, the base        piece, and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece        and catching piece to each other at their ends, these pieces        defining together a recess between them, at least one of the        base piece and catching piece having an engagement projection        formed thereon while a traveling-rail receiving portion of the        frame member, on which the traveling rail is to be fitted, is        formed from an elongated strip-shaped fixing base piece; and    -   the traveling rail is designed so that the inner wall of the        base piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece, inner        wall of the catching piece is put in abutment on the fixing base        piece and the engagement projection is engaged on an engagement        step or concavity formed on the fixing base piece.

Because of the above construction, the traveling rail fixing mechanismpermits to secure the traveling rail to the traveling-rail receivingportion of the frame member easily, positively and stably. Also, thetraveling rail fixing mechanism is easy to handle and permits to easilyreplace the traveling rail. Further, the traveling rail is simple inconstruction, suitable for mass production and thus can be produced atlow costs. In addition, no fasteners such as screws are required forfixing the traveling rail to the frame member, and thus, even as thetraveling rail is increasingly abraded, there will not possibly takeplace abnormal abrasion of the conveyor chain, irregular conveyingspeed, abnormal sound or the like.

Particularly, the traveling rail is designed so that the inner wall ofthe base piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece, inner wallof the catching piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece andthe engagement projection is engaged on an engagement step or concavityformed on the fixing base piece. So, the traveling rail fixed to thetraveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member will not be likelyto be dislocated in the direction of the side-section width and in adirection perpendicular to the side section of the frame member but canbe fixed accurately to the frame member so that the conveyor chain canbe moved smoothly with no possibility of heating, abnormal abrasion,vibration or noise. In addition, the traveling rail itself can bemaintained stably fixed for a long period without having to forciblypress the frame member. Also, the elasticity of the traveling rail canbe set in a wide range and thus the present invention provides atraveling rail which can be smoothly fixed to the frame member and whichis easy to handle.

The traveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member is formed fromthe elongated strip-shaped fixing base piece. Namely, it can be designedmore simply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the framemember employed in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an axial-sectional view of another embodiment of the framemember employed in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is also an axial-sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe frame member employed in the present invention.

FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) are partial sectional views of variants of the foldedportion of the frame member employed in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away front view of one embodiment of thetraveling frame assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the traveling frame assemblyin FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the frame member employed in the presentinvention, showing an example of application.

FIG. 8 is a partially cut-away plan view of the traveling frame memberin FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the frame member with atraveling rail according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is also a fragmentary cross sectional view of the frame memberwith a traveling rail according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially cut-away front view of the frame member with atraveling rail according to the present invention, showing an example ofapplication.

FIG. 12 is also a partially cut-away front view of the frame member witha traveling rail according to the present invention.

FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d) are partial sectional views of variants of theframe member with a traveling rail according to the present invention.

FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are partial sectional views of other variants ofthe frame member with a traveling rail according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 15(a) to 15(d) are also partial sectional views of furthervariants of the frame member with a traveling rail according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view of an example of the conventionalframe member with a traveling rail.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Through the accompanying drawings, the frame member according to thepresent invention is indicated with a reference A. The frame member A isused as a traveling frame assembly, guide rail, receiving rail or thelike used in a conveyor system. It is formed from an elongatedrectangular steel plate to have desired dimensions and shape for anyintended purpose, for example.

As shown, the frame member A consists of a rear section 3 a extendinglongitudinally of the frame member A and having a predetermined widthand a length larger than the width, a pair of inclined sections 3 bcontiguous to lateral ends of the rear section 3 a and extending inconverging directions away from the rear section 3 a, the rear section 3a and pair of inclined sections 3 b defining together a structure havinga generally C-like vertical cross section, a pair of front sections 3 ccontiguous to lateral ends of the inclined sections 3 b and extending indirections generally parallel to the rear section 3 a, and a pair ofside sections 3 d contiguous to lateral ends of the front sections 3 cand extending in parallel directions towards the plane of the rearsection 3 a, the front section 3 c and side section 3 d definingtogether a structure having a generally L-like vertical cross-section.

The space defined by the rear section 3 a and pair of inclined sections3 b is a longitudinal concavity 3 having a generally C-like verticalcross-section. The concavity 3 is shaped to have an opening whose sizeis more than a bolt and nut can be inserted through it. For example, onesuch concavity 3 may be formed longitudinally in the middle of the framemember A (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), or more than one such concavity 3may be formed longitudinally of the frame member A at predeterminedlateral intervals (as shown in FIG. 3).

Each of the front sections 3 c is depressed, as indicated with areference 4, longitudinally thereof towards the plane of the rearsection 3 a. Each of the side sections 3 d is folded back at the freeend inside or outside thereof to form a folded portion 5.

The above depression 4 has a circular vertical cross section. More thanone such depression 4 may be formed in predetermined places on the frontsection 3 c as necessary (as will be seen from FIG. 3). It should benoted that the depression 4 may not always be formed longitudinally ofthe front section 3 c and its vertical cross section may have any fromother than circular.

Further, the folded portion 5 is shaped narrower than the side section 3d. Both the folded portions 5 may be formed by folding back the sidesection 3 d at the free end inside thereof as shown in FIG. 1 or one ofthem may be formed by folding back the side section 3 d at the free endinside thereof while the other be formed by folding back the sidesection 3 d at the free end outside thereof as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The folded portion 5 may be positioned nearly parallel to the sidesection 3 d as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c). Alternatively, the foldedportion 5 may be positioned oblique in relation to the side section 3 das shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(d). The folded portions 5 may be differentin radius of folding from each other as will be seen from FIG. 4(a).Also, the folded portion 5 may be in close contact with the side section3 d as shown in FIG. 4(a), be in partial close contact with the sidesection 3 d as shown in FIG. 4(b), or be off the side section 3 d asshown in FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d).

In the frame member according to the present invention, the rear section3 a and pair of inclined sections 3 b define together the structurehaving a generally C-like vertical cross section, and the front section3 c contiguous to the inclined section 3 b and the side section 3 ddefine together the structure having a generally L-like verticalcross-section, as described above. Further, the depressions 4 formed inthe front sections 3 c and the folded portions 5 of the side sections 3d contribute to improved strength and rigidity of the frame member A asa whole, whereby it is possible to work the frame member A with a highprecision. Owing to the above design, the frame member A can be formedfrom an elongated rectangular steel plate having a reduced thickness toprovide a lighter one.

In the embodiment of the frame member shown in FIG. 2, one L-shapedstructure is provided on either side of the C-shaped structure, and thetwo C-shaped structures are generally symmetric with respect to theC-shaped structure. In the other embodiment shown in FIG. 3, twoC-shaped structures are connected to each other by the front section 3 cand two L-shaped structures are formed across the two C-shapedstructures thus connected to each other.

The side sections 3 d in pair should desirably be laid generallysymmetrically with respect to the concavity 3. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 3, each of the side sections 3 d extends contiguously to thefront section 3 c at an angle of about 90 deg. and thus the sidesections 3 d are parallel to each other with the concavities 3 beingdisposed between them. However, the side section 3 d may be positionedat an angle other than 90 deg. with the front section 3 c. Namely, theside sections 3 d may not be parallel to each other with the concavities3 being disposed between them.

Also, all the bent joints or boundaries between the adjacent ones of therear section 3 a, inclined sections 3 b, front sections 3 c and sidesections 3 d forming together the frame member A according to thepresent invention should preferably be rounded to assure the safety ofthe workers handling the frame member A.

Further, to prevent water or the like from staying inside the concavityor concavities 3 and other concavities defined by the inclined section 3b, front section 3 c and side section 3 d, the bent joints shouldpreferably have formed therein through-holes 6 through which water orthe like can be drained.

The through-hole 3 is generally elliptic in shape, for example, tosmoothly drain water or the like. It is positioned longitudinally of theframe member A and is sized not to reduce the strength of the framemember A itself. It should be noted that the through-hole 6 may beformed in each of the bent joints of the frame member A or solely ineach of the bent joints which will be lower when the frame member A isused. Also note that the through-hole 6 should desirably be laiddispersedly longitudinally of the frame member A to evenly drain wateror the like and avoid concentration of the stress to the through-hole 6.

Next, the traveling frame assembly formed from the frame member Aaccording to the present invention will be described herebelow.

The traveling frame assembly is usable with a conveyor chain or the like(indicated with a reference E) used in a conveyor system. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the traveling frame assembly includes a pair of metallicframe members A and an appropriate number of coupling clamps B to couplethe pair of frame members A to each other in parallel to each other.Each coupling clamp B includes a pair of clamp bodies 10 and a fastenerto couple the clamp bodies 10 and fasten them towards each other. Eachof the clamp bodies 10 in pair has provided at either free end thereofan engagement portion 14 shaped to catch each of the rear sections 3 aof the frame members A in pair.

Further, in the traveling frame assembly, there is provided a jointmember C which can be inserted in the longitudinal concavity 3 and has aplurality of internally threaded holes 20 formed therein. The jointmember C is secured in the longitudinal concavity 3 of the frame memberA by tightening screws 22 in the internally threaded holes 20 in thejoint member C to couple the mating frame members A with each other.

The clamp body 10 of the coupling clamp B consists of a base piece 11formed from a rectangular plate having an insertion hole 13 formed inthe center thereof, and a pair of rising pieces 12 formed contiguous atlateral ends of the base piece 11. Each of the rising pieces 12 in pairhas formed at each end thereof an engagement portion 14 which can beengaged on the side section 3 a (at the back of the concavity 3). Theengagement portion 14 has an inclined edge 14 a which abuts the inclinedsection 3 b defining the concavity 3, and an end 14 b which abuts thefront section 3 c.

More specifically, for assembling the traveling frame assembly, the pairof clamp bodies 10 is set in place in relation to the frame members Awith the inclined edges 14 a of the engagement portions 14 being set toabut the pair of inclined sections 3 b of the frame member A, and thejoint members C are set in place in the concavities 3 of the framemembers A. When the fastener is tightened, the inclined edges 14 a ofthe engagement portions 14 of the clamp bodies 10 will force the pair ofinclined sections 3 b of the frame members A to move the frame members Atowards each other until the front sections 3 c abut the ends 14 b ofthe engagement portion 14. Thus, the clamp bodies 10 themselves serve asa spacer to keep the pair of frame members A spaced a predetermineddistance from each other by the ends 14 b of the engagement portion 14.

Note that the clamp body 10 is designed such that when the pair ofinclined sections 3 b is forced by the inclined edges 14 a to move thepair of frame members A towards each other, the base piece 11 and risingpiece 12 of the clamp body 10 will not abut the rear section 3 a and theother, namely, the front section 3 c will not abut the end 14 b.

Also, the intermediate portion between the inclined edge 14 a and end 14b of the engagement portion 14 is shaped to provide some space at thecorner formed by the front section 3 c and inclined section 3 b of theframe member A. The space is provided to allow free flow of any water ordust at the corner formed by the front section 3 c and inclined section3 b.

The aforementioned fastener includes a bolt 15 which can be insertedthrough the insertion hole 13 in the clamp body 10 (hex. socket headbolt, for example) and a nut 16. It may be any one which could securelycouple the pair of clamp bodies 10 and force the latter towards eachother. It should be noted that the nut 16 may be a one which can bereceived between the pair of rising pieces 12 of the clamp body 10 andthus blocked against rotation by the rising pieces 12 as will be seenfrom FIG. 8.

The joint member C is formed from a thick metal plate, for example. Thejoint member C has a plurality (four pieces, for example) of internallythreaded holes 20 formed at predetermined intervals along the length ofthe joint member C. The joint member C is shaped to have a cross sectionwhich nearly fits the profile of the concavity 3 defined by the rearsection 3 a and inclined sections 3 b. More specifically, when the jointmember C is placed in contact with the rear section 3 a, its lateraledges are in contact with the inclined sections 3 b in pair as shown inFIG. 5. When screws 22 in the internally threaded holes 20 are tightenedwith the joint member C being set in place in the concavity 3, the innerends of the screws 22 will press the rear section 3 a, the joint memberC will be secured to the frame member A with the joint member C being inclose contact at the inclined lateral surfaces thereof with the inclinedsections 3 b, and thus the neighboring frame members A will be coupledto each other accurately and positively. Also, the joint member C isshaped to some space at the corner defined by the front section 3 c andinclined section 3 b of the frame member A. Namely, the space isprovided to allow free flow of any water or dust nearly at the cornerformed by the front section 3 c and inclined section 3 b.

Next, example, applications of the frame member A according to thepresent invention will be described herebelow. First of all, the framemember A is usable as members of the traveling frame assembly as shownin FIG. 5, and also as a guide rail or as a receiving rail to receive aconveyor chain E in a conveyor system as shown in FIG. 7. It should benoted here that the frame member A can be used in other than theconveyor systems.

The traveling rail fixing mechanisms according to the present inventionwill be described herebelow with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15. Thetraveling rail fixing mechanisms are intended to install a syntheticresin-made traveling rail D simply, positively, correctly, smoothly andstably to an end portion (traveling-rail receiving portion) of the sidesection 3 d of a metallic (or synthetic resin-made) frame member A in atraveling rail assembly (see FIG. 11) which is in smooth contact with aconveyor chain E, guide rail (see FIG. 12) which is in smooth contactwith an article to be conveyed or receiving rail (also see FIG. 12)which is in smooth contact with the conveyor chain E, in a conveyorsystem.

The traveling rail D used in such traveling rail fixing mechanisms isformed as a unit from a synthetic resin having an appropriateelasticity. The traveling rail D is fixed to the frame member A to coverthe folded portion 5 and fixed of the side section 3 d. The travelingrail D is in contact with the conveyor chain E and an article to beconveyed to assure a smooth movement of them. More specifically, thetraveling rail D consists of a base piece 31 which is a relativelythick, elongated strip-shaped plate, an elongated strip-shaped catchingpiece 32 parallel to, and with a predetermined space from, the basepiece 31, and an elongated strip-shaped side piece 33 formed contiguousto, and at an angle of about 90 deg. with, the base piece 31 andcatching piece 32. Thus, the traveling rail D has a recess defined bythe base piece 31, catching piece 32 and side piece 33. Further, thecatching piece 32 is extended by an engagement projection 34 protrudingtowards the base piece 31 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

When the traveling rail D is fitted on the traveling-rail receivingportion of the frame member A, the inner wall 31B of the base piece 31of the traveling rail D abuts the side section 3 d of the frame memberA, the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 of the traveling rail D abutsthe bent joint between the side section 3 d and folded portion 5 of theframe member A, the inner wall 32B of the catching piece 32 of thetraveling rail D abuts the folded portion 5 of the frame member A, andthe engagement projection 34 of the traveling rail D engages the end ofthe folded portion 5 of the frame member A.

More particularly, the traveling rail D is fitted to the traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member A to enclose the end portion ofthe side section 3 d. The traveling rail D will be blocked againstmovement in the widthwise direction of the side section 3 d and in adirection perpendicular to the side section 3 d. Thus the traveling railD can be fixed to the frame member A correctly and stably.

Note that the traveling rail D may be designed to force the side section3 d of the frame member A by the base piece 31 and engagement projection34 thereof under its own elasticity or to force the side section 3 d andfolded portion 5 of the frame member A by the base piece 31 and catchingpiece 32. Also, the traveling rail D may be other than the one which iselastic as above.

Further, the traveling rail D may be designed so that in case it isformed such that it can be fixed more stably to the traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member A with the inner wall 31B of thebase piece 31 of the traveling rail D being in close contact with theside section 3 d of the frame member A and the inner wall 32B of thecatching piece 32 of the traveling rail D being in close contact withthe folded portion 5 of the frame member A, the inner wall 33B of theside piece 33 of the traveling rail D will abut the bent joint betweenthe side section 3 d and folded portion 5 of the frame member A to blockthe traveling rail D against movement in the direction of the width ofthe side section 3 d or the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 of thetraveling rail D will be a little off the bent joint between the sidesection 3 d and folded portion 5 of the frame member A (not shown).

The base piece 31 is shaped, for example, so that the bottoms of theright and left end portions of the conveyor chain E will be in slidingcontact with the outer wall 31A of the base piece 31 while the innerwall 31B will be in close contact with or abut the outer wall of theside section 3 d of the frame member A.

The catching piece 32 is shaped to have a smaller thickness and widththan the base piece 31, for example. In addition, the catching piece 31is formed for the outer wall 32A thereof to be parallel to the outerwall 31A of the base piece 31 and for the inner wall 32B to be in closecontact or abut the outer wall of the folded portion 5 of the framemember A.

Further, the side piece 33 is formed for the outer wall 33A thereof tobe at right angles with the outer wall 31A of the base piece 31 and forthe inner wall 33B thereof to abut the outer surface of the bent jointbetween the side section 3 d and folded portion 5 of the frame member A,for example. It should be noted that the outer wall 33A of the sidepiece 33 may be inclined to form an acute angle with the outer wall 31Aof the base piece 31 correspondingly to the shape of the conveyor chainE (see FIG. 13(c)) or it may be curved to be outwardly convex (see FIG.13(d)). Also, the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 may be concavelycurved for close contact with the outer surface of the bent jointbetween the side section 3 d and folded portion 5 of the frame member Ain order to attain a more stable installation of the traveling rail D(see FIG. 14(b)), or small circular cuts may be formed in the cornerbetween the inner wall 31B of the base piece 31 and inner wall 33B ofthe side piece 33 and in that between the inner wall 32B of the catchingpiece 32 and inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 in order to provide alarge elastic deformation of the traveling rail D (see FIG. 14(a)).

The engagement projection 34 is a generally circular one (as shown inFIGS. 13(c) and 13(d)), a generally trapezoidal one (as shown in FIG.13(a)) or a generally triangular one (as shown in FIG. 13(b)), whichabuts (or is in close contact with) the inner wall of the side section 3d and end of the folded portion 5. That is, the engagement projection 34is so shaped as to easily move over the folded portion 5 when thetraveling rail D is fitted onto, or detached from, the traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member A. It should be noted that theengagement projection 34 may be shaped correspondingly to the shape ofthe end of the folded portion 5. For example, when the end of the foldedportion 5 is shaped to be inclined, the engagement projection 34 may beshaped generally like a hook corresponding to the inclination (notshown).

Further, FIGS. 15(a) to 15(d) show further variants of the travelingrail fixing mechanism according to the present invention. In thesevariants, the traveling rail D is formed as a unit from a syntheticresin having an appropriate elasticity. The traveling rail D consists ofa base piece 31 which is an elongated strip-shaped plate, an elongatedstrip-shaped catching piece 32 spaced a predetermined distance from thebase piece 31, and an elongated strip-shaped side piece 33 formedcontiguous to the base piece 31 and catching piece 32. Thus, thetraveling rail D has a recess defined by the base piece 31, catchingpiece 32 and side piece 33. Further, the catching piece 32 is extendedby an engagement projection 34 protruding towards the base piece 31 asshown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b). Alternatively, the base piece 31 hasformed at the free end thereof an engagement projection 34 protrudingtowards the catching piece 32 as shown in FIG. 15(c). Stillalternatively, the base piece 31 has formed at the free end thereof anengagement projection 34 protruding towards the catching piece 32 whilethe catching piece 32 is extended by another engagement projection 34protruding towards the base piece 31, as shown in FIG. 15(d). It shouldbe noted here that the location of the engagement projection 34 is notlimited to the free end of the base piece 31 and/or catching piece 32.Also note that the shape (sectional) of the engagement projection 34 isnot limited to a generally circular one as shown.

On the other hand, the frame member A on which the traveling rail D isto be fixed is formed from aluminum by extrusion molding for example.The traveling-rail receiving portion formed at the end (side section 3d) of the frame member is formed from an elongated strip-shaped fixingbase piece 7 formed contiguous to, and at an angle of about 90 deg.with, the base plate thereof as shown in FIG. 15.

The traveling rail D and frame member A may be shaped for the inner wall31B of the base piece 31 thereof to abut the surface of the top of thefixing base piece 7, the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 to abut thefree end of the fixing base piece 7, the inner wall 32B of the catchingpiece 32 to abut the bottom of the fixing base piece 7, and for anengagement projection 34 at the end of the catching piece 32 to beengaged on an engagement step 8 formed on the fixing base piece 7 (asshown in FIG. 15(a)), an engagement projection 34 at the end of thecatching piece 32 to be engaged in a generally circular engagementconcavity 9 formed in the bottom of the fixing base piece 7 (as shown inFIG. 15(b)), an engagement projection 34 formed at the end of the basepiece 31 of the traveling rail D to be engaged in a generally circularengagement concavity 9 formed in the bottom of the fixing base piece 7(as shown in FIG. 15(c)) or for an engagement projection 34 formed atthe end of the base piece 31 of the traveling rail D to be engaged in agenerally circular engagement concavity 9 formed in the bottom of thefixing base piece 7 while an engagement projection 34 at the end of thecatching piece 32 is engaged in a generally circular engagementconcavity 9 formed in the bottom of the fixing base piece 7 (as shown inFIG. 15(d)). It should be noted that the traveling rail D and framemember A may also be shaped for the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33of the traveling rail D to abut the end of the fixing base piece 7 toimmobilize the traveling rail D in the direction of the width of thefixing base piece 7 or for the inner wall 33B of the side piece 33 ofthe traveling rail D to be a little off the end of the fixing base piece7 of the frame member A (both not shown).

Next, the applications of the traveling rail fixing mechanism accordingto the present invention will be described herebelow. When the framemember A is used as a guide rail in a conveyor system as shown in FIG.12, as a receiving rail to receive a conveyor chain E or as a member ofa traveling rail assembly as shown in FIG. 11, the traveling rail D isfitted on the end portion of the side section of each frame member A.The traveling rail D, having been abraded or damaged, can be detectedfrom the frame member A for replacement. It should be noted that thetraveling rail fixing mechanism is utilizable in any field other thanthe industry of conveyor system.

Further, for fixing the traveling rail D to the traveling-rail receivingportion of the frame member A, the opening between the end of the basepiece 31 and inner end (or engagement projection 34) of the catchingpiece 32 may be set to face the bent joint between the side section 31 dand folded portion 5 of the frame member A and then the side piece 33 ofthe traveling rail D be forcibly pushed towards the front section of theframe member A until the engagement projection 34 is engaged on theinner end of the folded portion 5, or the traveling rail D may belongitudinally fitted at the longitudinal end thereof onto the sidesection 31 d of the frame member A at the longitudinal end of thelatter.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As having been described in the foregoing, since the frame member as awhole can have an improved strength and rigidity even if each of therear section, inclined sections, front sections and side sectionsthereof are formed relatively thin, it is usable as a one which islightweight and high in precision of working. It can thus be simple inconstruction, suitable for mass production and thus can be produced atlow costs. Particularly, the frame member can be usefully applied invarious types of conveyor systems.

1. A metallic frame member having fitted thereon a plastic travelingrail usable in a traveling frame assembly, guide rail, or receiving railin a conveyor system, the frame member comprising: a rear sectionextending longitudinally of the frame member; a pair of inclinedsections contiguous to lateral ends of the rear section and extending inconverging directions away from the rear section; a pair of frontsections contiguous to lateral ends of the inclined sections andextending in directions generally parallel to the rear section; and apair of side sections continuous to lateral ends of the front sectionsand extending in parallel directions towards the plane of the rearsection; the rear section and pair of inclined sections definingtogether a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like verticalcross-section; and each of the side sections being folded back at thefree end inside or outside thereof, wherein there are providedthrough-holes formed in the bent joint between the rear section andinclined section, that between the inclined section and front sectionand that between the front section and side section of the frame member,respectively; the traveling rail comprising a base piece, a catchingpiece opposite to, and with a predetermined space from the base piece,and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece and catchingpiece to each other at their ends, these pieces defining together arecess between them, and having formed at the free end thereof anengagement protection protruded towards the base piece, the travelingrail being fixed to the frame member with the inner wall of the basepiece being put in abutment on the side section of the frame member,inner wall of the catching piece being put in abutment on the foldedportion of the side section of the frame member and with the engagementprojection being engaged on the end of the folded portion of the sidesection of the frame member.
 2. A traveling frame assembly for use witha conveyor chain in a conveyor system, including a pair of metallicframe members and a coupling clamp to couple the pair of frame membersin parallel and opposite to each other, each of the frame memberscomprising: a rear section extending longitudinally of the frame member;a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of the rearsection and extending in converging directions away from the rearsection; a pair of front sections continuous to lateral ends of theinclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel to therear section; and a pair of side sections continuous to lateral ends ofthe front sections and extending in parallel directions towards theplane of the rear section; the rear section and pair of inclinedsections defining together a longitudinal concavity having a generallyC-like vertical cross-sectional profile; the coupling clamp including apair of clamp bodies and a fastener to couple the clamp bodies andfasten them towards each other; and each of the pair of clamp bodieshaving provided at either free end thereof an engagement portion shapedto catch each of the rear sections of the frame members.
 3. Thetraveling frame assembly according to claim 2, wherein there is provideda joint member which can be inserted in the longitudinal concavitydefined by the rear section and opposite inclined sections of the framemember and has a plurality of internally threaded holes formed therein,and the joint member can be secured in the longitudinal concavity of theframe member by screws in the internally threaded holes in the jointmember.
 4. A metallic frame member having fitted thereon a plastictraveling rail usable in a traveling frame assembly, guide rail, orreceiving rail in a conveyor system, the frame member comprising: a rearsection extending longitudinally of the frame member; a pair of inclinedsections contiguous to lateral ends of the rear section and extending inconverging directions away from the rear section; a pair of frontsections contiguous to lateral ends of the inclined sections andextending in directions generally parallel to the rear section; and apair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends of the front sectionsand extending in parallel directions towards the plane of the rearsection; the rear section and pair of inclined sections definingtogether a longitudinal concavity having a generally C-like verticalcross-section; and each of the side sections being folded back at thefree end inside or outside thereof; the traveling rail comprising a basepiece, a catching piece opposite to, and with a predetermined space fromthe base piece, and a side piece contiguous to and joining the basepiece and catching piece to each other at their ends, these piecesdefining together a recess between them, and having formed at the freeend thereof an engagement projection protruded towards the base piece,the traveling rail being fixed to the frame member with the inner wallof the base piece being put in abutment on the side section of the framemember, inner wall of the catching piece being put in abutment on thefolded portion of the side section of the frame member and with theengagement projection being engaged on the end of the folded portion ofthe side section of the frame member, wherein there is provided a jointmember which can be inserted in the longitudinal concavity defined bythe rear section and opposite inclined sections of the metallic framemember and has a plurality of internally threaded holes formed therein,and the joint member is secured in the longitudinal concavity of themetallic frame members by screws in the internally threaded hole in thejoint member, and the metallic frame members are connected to each otherrigidly in the longitudinal direction.
 5. A metallic frame member havingfitted thereon a plastic traveling rail usable in a traveling frameassembly, guide rail, or receiving rail in a conveyor system, the framemember comprising: a rear section extending longitudinally of the framemember; a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of therear section and extending in converging directions away from the rearsection; a pair of front sections contiguous to lateral ends of theinclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel to therear section; and a pair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends ofthe front sections and extending in parallel directions towards theplane of the rear section; the rear section and pair of inclinedsections defining together a longitudinal concavity having a generallyC-like cross-sectional profile; and each of the side sections in pairbeing shaped at the free end thereof to be a step or to have a concavityfor engagement with a traveling rail, wherein there are providethrough-holes formed in the bent joint between the rear section andinclined section, that between the inclined section and front sectionand that between the front section and side section of the frame member,respectively; the traveling rail comprising a base piece, a catchingpiece opposite to, and with a predetermined space from the base piece,and a side piece contiguous to and joining the base piece and catchingpiece to each other at their ends, these pieces defining together arecess between them, at least one of the base piece and catching piecehaving an engagement projection formed thereon while a traveling-railreceiving portion of the frame member, on which the tray ling rail is tobe fitted, is formed from an elongated strip-shaped fixing base piece,and the traveling rail being designed so that the inner wall of the basepiece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece, inner wall of thecatching piece is put in abutment on the fixing base piece and theengagement projection is engaged on an engagement step or concavityformed on the fixing base piece.
 6. A metallic frame member havingfitted thereon a plastic traveling rail usable in a traveling frameassembly, guide rail, or receiving rail in a conveyor system, the framemember comprising: a rear section extending longitudinally of the framemember; a pair of inclined sections contiguous to lateral ends of theinclined sections and extending in converging directions away from therear section; a pair of front sections contiguous to lateral ends of theinclined sections and extending in directions generally parallel to therear section; and a pair of side sections contiguous to lateral ends ofthe front sections and extending in parallel directions towards theplane of the rear section; the rear section and pair of inclinedsections defining together a longitudinal concavity having a generallyC-like cross-sectional profile; and each of the side sections in pairbeing shaped at the free end thereof to be a step or to have a concavityfor engagement with a traveling rail, the traveling rail comprising abase piece, a catching piece opposite to, and with a predetermined spacefrom the base piece, and a side piece contiguous to and joining the basepiece and catching piece to each other at their ends, these piecesdefining together a recess between them, at least one of the base pieceand catching piece having an engagement projection formed thereon whilea traveling-rail receiving portion of the frame member, on which thetray ling rail is to be fitted, is formed from an elongated strip-shapedfixing base piece, and the traveling rail being deigned so that theinner wall of the base piece is put in abutment on the fixing basepiece, inner wall of the catching piece is put in abutment on the fixingbase piece and the engagement projection is engaged on an engagementstep or concavity formed on the fixing base piece, wherein there isprovided joint member which can be inserted in the longitudinalconcavity defined by the rear section and opposite inclined sections ofthe metallic frame member and has a plurality of internally threadedholes formed therein, and the joint member is secured in thelongitudinal concavity of the metallic frame members by screws in theinternally threaded hole in the joint member, and the metallic framemembers are connected to each other rigidly in the longitudinaldirection.